Physical Training and Rehabilitation Device and Methods for Using Same

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a stepped pyramid structure includes a pair of opposing first steps, a pair of opposing second steps elevated above the pair of first steps, and a crowning portion elevated above the pair of second steps. The stepped pyramid structure can include a pair of extensions extending from opposing sides of the pyramid structure. The stepped pyramid structure is a symmetric structure useful for exercise and training. A method of using a stepped pyramid structure comprises the steps of: user placing pyramid structure about an arm&#39;s length away from a wall; user placing one foot on pyramid structure; user placing both hands on wall; user standing straight up with all the user&#39;s weight on pyramid structure; and user leaning slightly forward, while user&#39;s other foot remains on the floor and the user&#39;s hips shoulders, hips and ankle (of foot engaged with pyramid structure) in line with each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/682,995, titled “Physical Training and RehabilitationDevice and Methods” and filed on Jun. 10, 2018, which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a physical training andrehabilitation device and methods of using same. More specifically, thepresent disclosure relates to a stepped pyramid apparatus useful inphysical training and rehabilitation of the human body, particularly thelower body.

BACKGROUND

Each year millions of people participate in sporting activities,including both organized sports such as baseball, golf, and the like,and recreational activities such as running and aerobics for bothcompetitive reasons and to maintain physical fitness. Regardless of thegoal of the sporting activity, a regular participant of sportingactivities bears a relatively high risk of sustaining an injury duringof the course of participating in such activities. Such potentialinjuries range from nagging injuries such as plantar fasciitis (aninflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot), Achilles tendontendonitis, ankle sprains, cramping calves, and hamstring pulls to moreserious and potentially debilitating injuries such as knee trauma, hipand back pain, and falls that can lead to temporary or permanentdebilitation and/or surgical procedures such as fusing of bones in thespine or knee, hip, or other joint replacements.

Therefore, there is a need for apparatus and methods that are useful intraining and rehabilitating the human body to both generally strengthenand increase flexibility of certain joints resulting in a reduction orelimination of injuries and rehabilitating such joints after an injury.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a stepped pyramid structure includes a pair ofopposing first steps, a pair of opposing second steps elevated above thepair of first steps, and a crowning portion elevated above the pair ofsecond steps. Additionally, the stepped pyramid structure can include apair of extensions extending from the sides of the pyramid structure.The stepped pyramid structure is generally a symmetric structure usefulfor exercise and training.

In another embodiment, a method of using a stepped pyramid structurecomprises the steps of: a user placing the pyramid structure about anarm's length away from a wall; the user placing one foot on the pyramidstructure; the user placing both hands on wall; the user standingstraight up with all the user's weight on the pyramid structure; anduser leaning slightly forward, while the user's other foot remains onthe floor and the user's hips shoulders, hips and ankle (of the footthat is engaged with the pyramid structure) in line with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, togetherwith the detailed description provided below, describe exampleembodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and apparatus. Whereappropriate, like elements are identified with the same or similarreference numerals. Elements shown as a single component can be replacedwith multiple components. Elements shown as multiple components can bereplaced with a single component. The drawings may not be to scale. Theproportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose ofillustration.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is another schematic perspective view of the physical trainingand rehabilitation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is schematic perspective view showing the underside of thephysical training and rehabilitation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top schematic view of one embodiment of a physical trainingand rehabilitation device.

FIG. 5 is a front schematic view of the physical training andrehabilitation device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side schematic view of the physical training andrehabilitation device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is another side schematic view of the physical training andrehabilitation device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a detailed schematic view of treads of the physical trainingand rehabilitation device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of a physicaltraining and rehabilitation device.

FIG. 10 is a front schematic view of the physical training andrehabilitation device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 16 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 17 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 18 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 19 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 20 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 21 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 22 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 23 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 24 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 25 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 26 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 27 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 28 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 29 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 30 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 31 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 32 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 33 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 34 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

FIG. 35 is a photograph of a user engaging the a physical training andrehabilitation device as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus, systems, arrangements, and methods disclosed in thisdocument are described in detail by way of examples and with referenceto the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosedand described examples, arrangements, configurations, components,elements, apparatus, methods, materials, etc. can be made and may bedesired for a specific application. In this disclosure, anyidentification of specific techniques, arrangements, method, etc. areeither related to a specific example presented or are merely a generaldescription of such a technique, arrangement, method, etc.Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to beand should not be construed as mandatory or limiting unless specificallydesignated as such. Selected examples of apparatus, arrangements, andmethods for reducing or eliminating injuries for those participating insporting activities are hereinafter disclosed and described in detailwith reference made to FIGS. 1-35.

Many injuries commonly experienced by participants in sportingactivities can be reduced or even prevented by improving theparticipant's body alignment through a balance of strength, function,and flexibility of the overall body, and in particular certain joints ofthe body. The apparatus and methods described herein are a novelperformance enhancement device and method of using such device arrangedto allow the user to improve strength, function and flexibility of thebody generally, and of certain joints specifically, and, thus, reducethe overall risk of injury while participating in sporting activity.

An exemplary stepped pyramid structure 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1through 3. The pyramid structure 100 is a symmetric structure thatincludes a pair of opposing first steps 110, a pair of opposing secondsteps 120 elevated above the pair of first steps 110, and a crowningportion 130 elevated above the pair of second steps 120. Additionally,the pyramid structure 100 can include a pair of extensions 140 extendingfrom the sides of the pyramid structure 100. The extensions 140 an beused as handles to assist a user in maneuvering and adjusting theorientation and position of the pyramid structure.

One embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8. In this embodiment,the body of the pyramid structure 100 is approximately 24 inches inlength (with the overall length approximately 26.84 inches from tip ofone extension 140 to the tip of the other extension 140), approximately12.25 inches in width, and approximately 4.865 inches in height. Thefirst steps 110 are elevated approximately 1.5 inches above thesupporting surface, the second steps 120 are elevated approximately3.243 inches above the supporting surface, and the top of the crowningportion is elevated approximately 4.865 inches above the supportingsurface. The edges of the first steps 110, second steps 120, and crowingportion 130 are rounded and include treads 150. As illustrated in FIG.8, the treads 150 comprise a series nubs that rise approximately 0.024inches above the step or crowning portion 110, 120, 130.

Another embodiment of a stepped pyramid structure 100 is illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10. The body of the pyramid structure 100 is approximately24 inches in length, approximately 12.25 inches in width, andapproximately 4.5 inches in height. The first steps 110 are elevatedapproximately 1.5 inches above the supporting surface, the second steps120 are elevated approximately 3 inches above the supporting surface,and the top of the crowning portion is elevated approximately 4.5 inchesabove the supporting surface. The edges of the first steps 110, secondsteps 120, and crowing portion 130 are rounded such that the pyramidstructure 100 does not include any sharp edges.

As will be subsequently described, the pyramid structure 100 is designedsuch that a user can use the pyramid structure 100 to increase muscleflexibility and strength, thus, reduces the risk of injury when the userparticipates in sporting activities. As will be understood, the morepliable a muscle becomes, the less likely it is to tear or suffer otherinjury during use. One area of the body that is of particular interestis the ankle joint. It will be understood that increasing theflexibility and strength of the ankle joint not only reduces theprobability of injury to the ankle joint, but enhances a person'sathletic performance. Increasing flexibility and strength of the anklejoint allows a person to maintain better alignment of the body duringmovement of the body.

In all activities, greater dorsal flexion of the ankle (i.e. the abilityof the toe of the foot to flex toward the shin) or longer gastroc/soleuscalf muscles can improve physical performance. For example, greaterdorsal flexion of the ankle or longer gastroc/soleus calf muscles canimprove the ability to increase stride length while running, and longerstride length translates into increased performance. Improved muscleflexibility also reduces the risk of back pain, hip pain, knee pain,ankle pain, muscle pulls, cramping, and injures due to overuse ofcertain muscles or muscle groups such as Achilles tendonitis and plantarfasciitis.

Like any mechanical system, a person's structural and functionalalignment of the body are important aspects of not only athleticperformance, but also for everyday activities such as standing andwalking. The better the structural and functional alignment of the body(i.e., alignment of the ankles, knees, hips, spine, and shoulders), thebetter the performance of the body, both in dynamic movement (such asquick and explosive movements experienced during athletic competitionand training) and in everyday controlled movements of the body (such aswalking, raising from a seated to a standing position, climbing stairs,etc.). Human movement is the most efficient when the ankle is flexibleand capable of performing without undue restrictions. Physical trainershave long known that ankle flexibility is a prime determinant ofdifferentiating performance among top athletes, but it is also knownthat such ankle flexibility improves the quality of life for allpersons, not just athletes. A sedentary lifestyle, dysfunctionalmovement, trauma, overuse, and age are the most common causes of anklejoint muscle tightness, resulting in pain due to misalignments in aperson's posture. When a person's walking gait and pattern areconstricted, it can contributor to serious and painful structuralproblems. Untreated and ignored, such structural problems can have aserious negative effect on a person's body and overall health.

Stretching and strengthening of critical joints and muscle groups are avital part of athletic training and injury rehabilitation. However, manyathletes do not spend an appropriate amount of time stretching andstrengthening such critical joints and muscle groups. The pyramidstructure 100 described herein, allows for novel methods ofstrengthening, stretching and rehabilitating the foot, ankle, lower leg,and back. In essence, the pyramid structure 100 is designed to increaseflexibility and strength to re-align the foot and ankle to their naturalposition. Re-aligning the foot and ankle to their natural positions inturn restores the body to its most optimal alignment, thus, improvingbody posture, positioning, and performance. The results of such methodsis the relief of persistent foot pain, knee pain, hip pain, and lowerback pain caused by improper body balance and dysfunctional movements.As will be understood, in addition to improving athletic performance,such methods can also assist in alleviating issues due to arthritis andosteoporosis.

With regard to the ankle joint, the methods described herein includedorsiflexion, i.e., when the dorsal (top) aspect of the foot and theanterior (front) aspect of the tibia (shin) move closer together andplantarflexion, i.e., when the dorsal (top) aspect of the foot and theanterior (front) aspect of the tibia (shin) move farther away from eachother. Such motion is necessary for proper execution of any basic humanmovement including walking, squatting, running, and jumping. Even minortasks such as sitting down in a chair and subsequently standing up froma chair or walking up and down stairs requires adequate dorsiflexion andoccasionally plantarflexion of the ankle. There are many issues relatedto inadequate dorsiflexion and plantarflexion including many lowerextremity injuries and foot deformities. As will be understood, lack ofadequate dorsiflexion or plantarflexion can lead to restrictions indaily activity, pain during simple activities, and serious issues suchas unexpected falls, particularly for the elderly.

With regard to athletics, it is clear that ankle flexibility is a key toathletic performance. For example, when sprinting, the ankle jointsperform the two primary movements discussed herein, dorsiflexion andplantarflexion. Sprinting is a highly intensive activity, and requires alarge range of motion in the hips, knees, and ankles. All three of thesejoints need to work together efficiently to produce the soundestbiomechanics. Olympic sprinters' ankles are dorsiflexed as they explodeoff the blocks. This helps the foot strike the track in an optimalposition to put force into the ground and launch forward. A poor footstrike minimizes the amount of force generated between the foot and theground, thus reducing speed. In another example of the importance of theankle is striking a golf ball. In golf, a powerful swing is the resultof creating large amounts of ground reaction force. In order to generateproper power with stability and balance, a solid base is critical. Anunstable base has the potential to introduce a number of swing faults.Something as simple as limited range of motion in the ankle can be aprecursor (or influencer) of characteristics such as loss of posture,over-rotation, or too much lateral motion. A golfer can lose power bynot properly transferring weight from the stable or “grounded” back legto the front leg.

FIGS. 11 through 35 demonstrate methods of using the pyramid structure100 for training and rehabilitation. With regard to FIG. 11, a firstmethod of using the pyramid structure 100 is illustrated. The method isa unilateral flex. The method comprises: a user placing the pyramidstructure about an arm's length away from a wall or other supportivestructure; the user placing one foot on the pyramid structure asillustrated; the user placing both hands on wall; the user standingstraight up with all his or her weight on the pyramid structure; anduser leaning slightly forward. The user's other foot remains on thefloor. During the method, the user is to keep hips level, while leaningslightly forward, and keep shoulders, hips and ankle (of the foot thatis engaged with the pyramid structure) in line with each other. The userholds this position for approximately 30 seconds or more. Once the 30seconds elapses, the user can switch feet and repeat.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method for a dorsal flex stretch. The methodcomprises: a user placing the pyramid structure about an arm's lengthaway from a wall or other supportive structure; the user placing bothfeet on the pyramid structure; the user placing both hands on a wall;the user standing straight up with all the user's weight on the pyramidstructurer; and the user leaning slightly forward. Again, it isimportant that the user keeps his or her hips level, while leaningslightly forward, the shoulders, hips and ankles should be in line witheach other. This position is held for 30 seconds or more. This methodcan be repeated multiple times.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method for a plantar flex Stretch. The methodcomprises: a user placing the pyramid structure about an arm's lengthaway from a wall or other supportive structure; the user placing bothheels on the pyramid structure; the user placing both hands on wall; theuser standing straight up with all weight on the pyramid structure; andthe user leaning slightly backward. It is important for balance and forthe user to keep hips level. Again, it is important to keep hips level,while leaning slightly backwards, the shoulders, hips and ankles shouldbe in line with each other. This position is held for 30 seconds. Thismethod can be repeated multiple times.

FIG. 14 illustrates another method of using the pyramid structure. Themethod comprises: a user placing the pyramid structure an arm's lengthaway from a wall or other supportive structure; if support is required,the user places one or both hands on the wall; the user places themiddle of one foot on the crowing portion of the pyramid structure andthe second foot with the toes on the crowning portion and the heel onthe first step; the user stands straight up with all the user's weighton the pyramid structure; and the user leans slightly forward throughthe hips. It is important for balance and to keep the user's hips level.Again, it is important for the user to keep hips level, while leaningslightly forward, the shoulders, hips and ankles should be in line witheach other. This position is held for 30 seconds. After the method iscomplete, the user can switch feet and repeat the method.

FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrates a method for enhancing a user's gait. Themethod comprises: the user placing the pyramid structure about an arm'slength away from wall or other supportive structure; if support isrequired, the user places one or both hands on the wall; the user placesone foot with the heel of the foot on the crowning portion and the otherfoot with the toe on the crowning portion as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and16; the user stands straight up with all the user's weight on thepyramid structure and the user's body straight over the center of thepyramid structure. It is important for balance and to keep the user'ships level. Again, it is important to keep hips level, while leaningslightly forward, the shoulders, hips and ankles should be in line witheach other. This position is held for 30 seconds. After the method iscomplete, the user can switch feet and repeat the method. As will beunderstood, in this method one of the user's feet is in the dorsalposition and the other is in the plantar position. After the method iscomplete, the user can switch the position of the user's feet and repeatthe method.

Method of using the pyramid structure can also be directed to improvingperformance in specific sports. For example, FIGS. 17 and 18 illustratea method that is directed to improving performance of a baseball swing.The method comprises: the user placing the pyramid structure away fromany walls or other obstacles such that the user can freely swing a bat;the user standing straight up with all the user's weight on the pyramidstructure and the user's body positioned straight over the center of thepyramid structure; the user's lead foot is in the plantar position andthe user's rear foot in the dorsal position; the user keeps hips level,while leaning slightly forward, the shoulders, hips and ankles should bein line with each other. The user establishes the batting position; andthe user twists hips towards dorsal leg and swings the bat. This methodis repeated a number of times by the user.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a method that is directed to improving theperformance of a golf swing. The method comprises: the user placing thepyramid structure away from any walls or other structures such that theuser can freely swing a golf club; the user standing straight up withall the user's weight on the pyramid structure and the user's bodystraight over the center of pyramid structure; the user's lead foot isin the plantar position and the user's rear foot is in the dorsalposition; the user keeps the his or her hips level, while leaningslightly forward, the user's shoulders, hips and ankles should be inline with each other; the user raises the club to the peak of the backswing (as illustrated in FIG. 21); then the user swings the club. Thismethod is repeated a number of times by the user.

FIG. 21 illustrates a method for a plantar squat exercise. The methodincludes the user placing the pyramid structure away from any walls orother supportive structure; the user standing straight up with allweight on the pyramid structure and the user's feet in the planarposition with toes on floor; and while keeping body centered overpyramid structure, the user squats (as illustrated in FIG. 21). Thismethod can be repeated several times, for example, it can be repeated 20times.

FIG. 22 illustrates a method for a dorsal squat exercise. The methodincludes the user placing the pyramid structure away from any walls orother supportive structure; the user standing straight up with allweight on the pyramid structure and the user's feet in the dorsalposition with toes on floor; and while keeping body centered overpyramid structure, the user squats (as illustrated in FIG. 22). Thismethod can be repeated several times, for example, it can be repeated 20times.

FIG. 23 illustrates a method for a frontal stance exercise. The methodincludes the user placing both heels of feet on the floor and both ballsof feet on the first step of the pyramid structure, with the toes aboveor touching the second step of the pyramid structure. The user standsstraight with eyes focused forward, and holds the position for ten tofifteen seconds. When completed, the user steps off of the pyramidstructure, rests for ten to fifteen seconds, and repeats five to tentimes.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method for a frontal stance hinge exercise. Themethod includes the user placing both heels on the floor and balls ofthe feet on the first step, with toes above or touching the second step.The user begins the exercise stands straight with eyes focused forwardwith weight distributed across all four points of contact of the feet.The user hinges his or her hips backwards and reach down towards thetoes (as illustrated in FIG. 24). the users knees are slightly flexedand the eyes remain focused forward. The user then move hips backwardsin a rocking pattern, keeping the back straight, then rock the hipsforward and again stand straight. This exercise is repeated five to tentimes.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a frontal stance rotation exercise. The userplaces both feet on the pyramid structure with heels on the floor, ballsof feet on the first step, and toes touching or above the second step.The user stands straight with body weight distributed across all fourpoints of contact of the feet. the user keeps shoulders, hips, andankles in line with each other. The user rotates his or her body to theleft, shifting weight from right to left, creating greater flexion inright ankle, while slightly bending the right knee and rotating thehips, followed by the spine until the arms are perpendicular to thepyramid structure (as illustrated on FIG. 25). This position is held forthree to five seconds. The user then repeats these step to his or herleft side (as illustrated in FIG. 26). This exercise is repeated to eachside five to ten times

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate a frontal stance pull exercise. The userplaces both feed on the pyramid structure with heels on the floor, ballsof feet on the first step and toes touching or above the second step.The user stands straight with body weight distributed evenly among allfour points of contact of the feet. The user slightly lowers his or herbody by flexing the knees and hips, as extends his or her arms forward(as illustrated in FIG. 27). The user keeps the abdominal musclesengaged and pulls his or her arms towards his or her body, while keepingshoulders, hips, and ankles in line with each other at the start andfinish of the pull movement (the completion of the pull movement isillustrated in FIG. 28). The exercise is repeated five to ten times.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate a frontal stance push exercise. The userplaces both feed on the pyramid structure with heels on the floor, ballsof feet on the first step and toes touching or above the second step.The user stands straight with body weight distributed evenly among allfour points of contact of the feet. The user slightly lowers his or herknees and hips, and hold his or her arms in toward the body. Whilekeeping the abdominal muscles engaged, the user pushes his or her armsaway from the body. The user keeps shoulders, hips, and ankles in linewith each other at the start and finish of the push (FIG. 29 illustratesthe start of the push and FIG. 30 illustrates the end of the push). Theexercise is repeated five to ten times.

FIGS. 31 through 35 illustrates a multiple phase gait step exercise. Inthe first phase, the user faces the pyramid structure and places his orher right foot on the pyramid structure with heel on that foot on thefloor, balls of that foot on the first step with toes about or touchingthe second step. The left foot remains in contact with the supportingsurface behind the pyramid structure (as illustrated in FIG. 31). Theuser stands straight with eyes focused forward and holds this positionfor five to ten seconds. In the second phase, the user moves his or herleft foot from the supporting surface to the crowning portion of thepyramid structure (as illustrated in FIG. 32). While doing so, the usershifts his or her weight forward through the hips until correctalignment is achieved. The user stands straight with eyes focusedforward and holds this position for five to ten seconds. In the thirdphase, the user moves his or her left foot forward and rests the leftfoot on the opposite side of the pyramid structure with the toes engageswith the supporting surface, heel on the first step (as illustrated inFIG. 33). The user shifts his or her weight forward until it is centeredover the top of the pyramid structure. The user stands straight witheyes focused forward and holds this position for five to ten seconds. Inthe fourth phase, the user moves his or her left foot forward, off thepyramid structure and onto the supporting surface in front of thepyramid structure (as illustrated in FIG. 34). The user shifts his orher weight forward through the hips until the body is correctly alignedand the weight is evenly distributed between the right and left feet.The user stands straight with eyes focused forward and holds thisposition for five to ten seconds. In the fifth and final phase, the usermoves the right foot forward over the pyramid structure by leaning hisor her weight forward (as illustrated in FIG. 35) until both feet are incontact with the supporting surface in front of the pyramid structure.When competed with phases one through five, the user repeats using theopposite foot for each step. The exercise is repeated five times witheach leg.

The foregoing description of examples has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive orlimiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible inlight of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have beendiscussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art.The examples were chosen and described in order to best illustrateprinciples of various examples as are suited to particular usescontemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples setforth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications andequivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art.

I claim:
 1. A stepped pyramid structure, comprising: a pair of opposingfirst steps, positioned proximate to a supporting surface; a pair ofopposing second steps elevated above the pair of opposing first steps;and a crowning portion elevated above the pair of opposing second steps.2. The stepped pyramid structure of claim 1, further comprising a pairof extensions extending from the sides of the pyramid structureproximate to the pair of opposing first steps.
 3. A method of using astepped pyramid structure, comprising the steps of: a user placing thepyramid structure about an arm's length away from a wall; the userplacing one foot on the pyramid structure; the user placing both handson the wall; the user standing straight up with all the user's weight onthe pyramid structure; and user leaning slightly forward, while theuser's other foot remains on the floor and the user's hips shoulders,hips and ankle of the one foot on the pyramid structure.